Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp (CIET), are given safety instructions before attempting the high rope obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 18. Photo by Wenqing Yan.

The High Rope Confidence Course consists of three different stations: the Rockwall, the Alpine Towers, and the Ropes Course. The Cadets are in teams of two or three and each team takes turns and performs certain tasks through the various stations. Each team consists of a belay person, assistant belay, and a climber. The belay and the assistant belay have the safety of the climber in their hands. It is extremely important for these Cadets to learn and understand the three aspects of training to ensure the safety of their battle buddies.

“We expect them to improve on those three aspects of courage as far as confidence and commitment. We try to build their personal courage, teamwork, and communication skill while they are out here,” Capt. Steven Seifen said.

The three aspects of training the Cadets focus on involves teamwork, personal courage, and communication. They have to work together as a team, using correct safety commands while overcoming their fears by going through all the obstacles themselves.

The High Ropes Course was also designed to test their confidence, encourage them to overcome their fears, and push their physical endurance.

“We start with a battle buddy, drill sergeants and ourselves as non-commissioned officers encourage them to go though. You teach them about the equipment and how they can safe their lives. They have to trust the equipment and that’s how they can overcome their fear,” Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Davalos Hogh, Ropes Course instructor shared.

Cadet of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp (CIET), move through the ropes on the high rope obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 18. Photo by Wenqing Yan.

Some Cadets who had experiences prior to the training were thrill to go through the various high rope courses to test their confidence.

“I’ve done obstacle courses, and I have done rock-climbing on my own but nothing like this. I’m pretty confident – I am really excited to do something like this. It is a unique opportunity that I do not get very often,” Cdt. Adam Emerson, University of Kentucky, said.

Other Cadets prefer to focus on a specific aspect of the training going through the courses.

“I just want to establish better bonds with my peers. I love climbing with people. You get to know them really well while encouraging each other,” Cdt. Madison Hunter, from Duke University, shared.

The High Ropes Confidence Course is tough and other trainings are only going to be tougher. However, the Cadets will receive all the help that they need to push through.

“You just keep going and never quit. Eventually, you will make it to the top,” Cdt. Michael Hathaway, South Carolina State University, said.